The 12 Days Of Christmas: A Coded Catholic Catechesis?

This week I ran into an article over at snopes. That talks about how some people are saying the 12 days of Christmas song is actually a series of codes used to teach Catholic children about the faith during the times in which being a Catholic was outlawed in England. The true love in the song is God, and the gifts he gives can be decoded as follows:

A Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus
Two Turtle Doves = Old and New Testaments
Three French Hens = The Three Theological Virtues (Faith, Hope, and Love)
Four Calling Birds = The Four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
Five Gold Rings = The First Five Books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)
Six Geese A-laying = The Six Days of Creation
Seven Swans A-swimming = The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:6-8)
Eight Maids A-milking = The Eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10)
Nine Ladies Dancing= The Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22)
Ten Lords A-leaping = The Ten Commandments
Eleven Pipers Piping = The Eleven Faithful Apostles
Twelve Drummers Drumming = The Twelve Points of Doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed

Snopes argues that this idea is probably not true. I think their scepticism is valid. If you want to read more check out the article.

Whether or not it is historically true I like the list. As my wife and I celebrate the 12 days this year I am glad that this song can remind me of all the gifts God has given to me.

Happy Second day of Christmas… And remember the blessing of the scriptures that we have one of God’s greatest gifts to us!

The 12 Days of Christmas: A Coded Catholic Catechesis?